Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets is seeking feedback to better understand additional agricultural businesses (AOFBs) and Act 143. This model expands opportunities for farmers to diversify activities through AOFB, such as selling agricultural products on the farm, as well as educational, recreational or social events.
While this business model is critical to supporting the long-term viability of Vermont farmers, current legislation is difficult to understand and varies across the state. Therefore, the Legislature mandated the Natural Resources Board (NRB), with the support of the Agriculture Agency, to analyze current conditions, understand challenges and make specific recommendations to help strengthen AOFBs in Vermont.
To support this work, the Agriculture Agency wants to hear from farmers and municipal leaders about how they understand and implement AOFBs. If you are a farmer interested in or operating an AOFB, please complete the “Farmer” survey. If you are a municipal leader, please complete the “Zoning” survey.
Please take a moment to fill out the survey below to share your experiences and thoughts by September 7th. We greatly value your input – please share far and wide!
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The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is hiring.
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is excited to expand their team significantly!
They are currently filling two new positions; Assistance Coordinator and Release and Content Specialist. Click below to apply!
The Grants Coordinator will focus on grant administration, grant management and grant reporting. This position is full-time and pays $24.93 per hour. Apply here.
The Outreach and Content Specialist will lead the development and implementation of the program outreach and communications strategy for NE-DBIC. This position is full-time and pays $26.42 an hour. Apply here.
Applicants may have the option to work remotely but must be able to report to a duty station in Montpelier, VT.
Application Deadline: August 31st
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Apply for the NOFA-VT Farm Starters Program
Applications are now open for NOFA-VT’s Farm Beginnings Program. This is a year-long program for aspiring and novice farmers designed to help participants start or grow their farming operations.
The course focuses on sustainable agriculture and is led by Vermont-based service providers and farmers.
This is a hybrid virtual and in-person program. From October – March, participants will meet for eight online learning modules including video lectures, assignments and live virtual meetings.
Participants will develop their knowledge on all aspects of farm management and develop a business plan. During the summer, participants move from the classroom to the field to work one-on-one with an experienced farmer mentor.
The cost of the program is 500 dollars and it starts in the middle of October. Apply here.
Application deadline: September 12
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Job openings in rural Vermont
Rural Vermont is seeking a Director of Operations. Rural VT organizes, educates and advocates in partnership with local and global movements to strengthen the social, ecological and economic health of the farming communities that connect us all.
This position guides daily activities and contributes to communication and development. Primary duties and responsibilities include financial reports, payroll, Salesforce, accounting, budgeting and more.
The position is 25 hours per week. Starting pay is $24-$26 per hour. Apply here.
The position is open until filled.
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Rural train safety reminder
The Ethan Allen Express now operates from New York City to Burlington, Vermont with several stops in the state.
This new Amtrak route has trains going 59 miles per hour. Please stay off the tracks and only cross in designated areas. Many railroad crossings in rural areas do not have gates or lights to warn traffic of an approaching train.
The rural community should be especially careful as the noise of the working equipment will not be heard when the train is approaching. The Ethan Allen Express takes more than a mile to stop.
If you see tracks, think train!
Check out the agency’s PSA here
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